Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Great for the Kids - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By MARKK - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Left a 2000 minivan for the Pilot. Minivan was great for the little ones but it was time for a change. Pilot handles very well and for a high profile vehicle it gets pretty good gas milage. Standard AWD is a plus as is the wireless headphones for the kids.

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  Great Pilot Great Buy - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By charlie 01 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the 2004 Honda Pilot. It is a great vehicle. Very pleased with our purchase. Hondas are the best vehicles on the road.

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  Three problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By cybernut04 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Honda. Ive been surprised at the decline in quality. 1) Increasing number of rattles (still under 6,000 miles). 2) Extremely uncomfortable front seats - cannot use for commuting or long trips. 3) The "fire issue" - my first oil change at the dealer resulted in a "double- gasket", an oil leak, and smoke (but no fire, thankfully)

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  Honda EX V6 2004 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JohnnyC - December 7 - 10:00 am

  If I were an american manufacturer, I would be very concerned with the quality of the foreign competition at this price level. The quality of this vehicle is just as nice as many other vehicles costing 3- 10 thousand more. A real winner.

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  Not just a mommy-van! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Wendy Minshall - December 7 - 9:03 am

  We searched for a long time to find the perfect van. The only downside is that you cant buy the touring model with 8 passenger (which was important to us) and I wish the middle seats were stowaway like the back seats. Other than that it is PERFECT! When you are driving it, it feels more like a luxury car than a Mini-van! We also liked the Toyota Sienna, but we are 100% sure that this was the right van for us! Good luck!

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  honda - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By paco - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Perfect vehicle. Workes flawlessly around town or on the beach. No engine problems.Minor dent and very small scratches on top. Otherwise perfect.

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  2008 Accord EXP - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rob R - December 7 - 12:00 am

  I just turned in my 05 Malibu for the Accord and what a major difference, should of gotten the 05 Accord when I had the chance. Ride is excellent and secure, power is good. One thing I will say to everyone who gets a car: do your home work. If you had read some of the car or consumer report write ups about the car a lot of your concerns I was reading about would have been answered, i.e. poor gas mileage look close at your window sticker not the big mpg numbers but the ratings below, it tells you that you could get 17 mpg based on your driving habits. Next time you take a new car for a ride tell the sales man not to say a word and keep the radio off and find a road that needs work to drive on.

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  Amazing Vehicle - Luxury 100% - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Donttryitx - December 6 - 11:16 pm

  I put in Aftermarket Leather Seat Covers - and the car is Now 100% Luxurious, Drives Great - Smooth Pickup Acceleration - Gears You don feel - GAS (So So - Supposed to be 30 in the city, I get about 24 but that is NYC, Highways is As stated 40) Went from a big Car Q45, to this and I so far I am saving about 50 Dollars a week On Gas, about 100 a month on insurance, and another 500 a month on Depreciation. 650 Not bad for an excellent car - Not small at all!! - If you are a thinker, an Average Household - Dont buy a used JUNK! This will cost You A LOT LESS, IF nothing at all in the LONG RUN - Good Luck..

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  Purchased 12/98 Drives like new 12/02 - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Steven Z - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchasd my silver 1999 Honda CRV LX new in Dec 1998. This vehicle now has 80,000 miles on it and other than general routine maintenance and oil changes, it drives like the day I first drove it of the dealership lot. My wife just purchased a 2003 Saturn VUE, which so far, appears to be a tremendous value compared to todays mini-SUV offerings. I will admit, Im not jealous of her car at all -- my CRV will be going strong still by the time shes ready to give her car up in five years. Thanks to HONDA for making a brand of car built with such high quality standards.

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  Excellent - 2008 Honda Civic
  By honda from now on - December 5 - 10:13 pm

  I have been driving this car for the past month and I love it. I took two long trips and during one I got 31 mpg. The other was a whopping 34.8 mpg I am loving this at the pump. The car is fun to drive and is very peppy. I came from a large SUV and although the ride is quite different, I wouldnt trade my Honda for anything.